IS Update - Hostages Threat - New War on Terror

BBC News:  Reports " Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has condemned an apparent threat by the Islamic State group to kill two Japanese hostages. "

Lets Get Real:

This is the latest outrage by IS, they are demanding two hundred million dollars for two Japanese hostages, the PM has made it clear that no such deal will be made.   The US and the UK special forces should try to find the hostages and get them out, setting a time limit of 72 hours on the demand gives one the impression that the terrorists have watched to much 24, they are building up the tension, placing extra pressure on Tokyo.    There is no dealing with terrorists, the IS have to be destroyed root and branch, the West might not have three years to win this WAR, IS is producing its own currency, its getting its members young and thus creating a next generation terrorist.   Time is short the West has to win this WAR. 

IS Update - New War on Terror

Telegraph: Reports " Islamic State fighters mass on Lebanon border and threaten to launch attacks across it..Exclusive: How Islamic State fighters have been training new recruits close to Lebanon – and could launch cross-border attacks "

Lets Get Real:

It would be a nightmare for the Obama legacy if in its term in Office the influence of IS extended from Iraq via Syria to Lebanon.   The air power alone plan of the Oval is not working, a incursion by IS in to Lebanon would bring Iran in to the mix, while the Oval is trying to get a nuclear deal with the Tehran and keep the US Senate from passing new sanctions on Iran.   The US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs any day soon will be back in the Oval Office to tell the President that more US ground troops will be needed in Iraq and special forces for Syria.   The bombing of IS has not stopped them from gaining ground, the US is sending million dollar missiles to take down trucks or groups of terrorists.    There is a limit on this and its value, the US needs ground troops in the Middle East. 

US bugged North Korea - North Korean Crisis

BBC News: Reports  " The US knew North Korea was behind the Sony Pictures hack because it had secretly infiltrated the country's computer networks in 2010, according to the New York Times and Der Spiegel. "

Lets Get Real:

The Obama Administration needs to come down hard on those that leak the above information, they are damaging US national security.   It seems someone at the NSA thinks they should cover to the NSA, as to show the NSA knew about the Sony cyber attack but did not think that it required the action of the NSA, what producers and film actors think through email is hardly a matter of national security, but that is not the point, if after the Sony the North Koreans could go after other computer mainframes that control nuclear power, hospitals etc.    The US NSA should be their not only to defend US national security but also the security of the US economy. 

Romney and 2016 - 2nd Term Blues

CNN - Politics: Reports " Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney acknowledged Friday that he is once again considering running for the Republican presidential nomination, declaring that the country is in worse shape on both the domestic and foreign fronts since President Barack Obama took office. "

Lets Get Real:

It can be argued that either Bush or Romney could make it a good political fight against Hillary Clinton, all the candidates have a BRAND name, thus half the fight will not have to be fought, on the Republican side, Bush has the foundations of the Administrations of his father and brother, while Romney has been a candidate in 2008 and 2012.  On the Democratic side Hillary Clinton has her record as New York Senator and the US Secretary of State in the 1st Obama Administration.  Then there is her role for eight years and the First Lady of the US.   It does give the 2016 election the feel of a battle of political dynasties.   The question is WHO will WIN. 

Obama and the US Congress - 2nd Term Blues

Guardian: Reports " White House pushes Obama tax plan as Republicans line up to voice opposition..Announcement comes ahead of Tuesday’s State of the Union address, where president will outline $320bn plan to help struggling middle class "

Lets Get Real: 

This move by the Oval Office will allow Republican Candidates to appeal to the right of the Party, they will be opposed to such a tax move, the idea has benefits and negatives for the Democrats, Hillary Clinton must make sure that she is seen to support the move, but not to close in case the idea goes down like a brick with the US VOTER.  In other words both sides will play Obama agenda for their own political agenda.   The tax idea itself is not going anywhere, the Republicans will not pass it and the Oval Office can not write it in to law.  This Obama trying to to tie the Democratic Nominee in 2016 to HIS agenda, and cause problems for the Republicans.   The Oval Office missed the mid term elections, the US voter has shown its opinion of the 2nd Obama term, and its not very good if your a Democrat. 

State of the Union Address, Tax Hikes from Obama - 2nd Term Blues

BBC News: Reports " President Obama is to use Tuesday's State of the Union speech to call for tax increases on the wealthy to help the middle class, officials say. "

Lets Get Real:

In simple words this idea from POTUS on tax hikes is not going to happen, the Republicans now control the Senate and House, the Oval can not force tax hikes and it is not within his power to make then happen without Congressional authority.    This is POTUS playing to the left wing base of the Democratic Party, the Oval knows this is not going to happen, their radar can not be that faulty.   In the past the Oval could use the Senate to get its idea through, this is no longer an option, as the Republicans have retaken the House.    This is an ode to the left wing of the Democratic Party, nothing more that smoking mirrors. 

France at War with Terrorism - New War on Terror

BBC News: Reports " French PM Manuel Valls has said his country is at war with extremism and terrorism - but not with Muslims. "

Lets Get Real:

The Obama White House will like that the French as using Obama's method, at War with extremism and terrorism.   The problem is the major focus of terrorism of late has been from Islamic followers, these terrorists use Islam as a reason for the attacks on the innocent.   It was brave for the BBC to show the version of the latest issue of Charlie Hebdo with the cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad.   One can assume that there were talks at the hightes levels of the BBC as to show the cartoon,   In many respects the BBC had no choice, it could not allow terrorists to decide what is shown on the BBC.   This time the BBC did the right thing for a change.